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JPY (Â¥)Mount Gilboa, located in the Lower Galilee region, south of the Sea of Galilee, is one of Israel’s most beautiful sites. Whilst spring saturates the mountains in pretty wildflowers no matter what the season, Mount Gilboa is a stunning, tranquil area to explore, offering a break from the intense summer heat with a cool breeze. The Gilboa Scenic Road is your access point to hiking in Israel, biking in Israel, stunning outlooks, and much more.
Exploring Mount Gilboa
The Gilboa Scenic Road, known as Road 667, branches off Highway 60, the road leading from Israel’s center into the Galilee. Winding along the ridges of Mount Gilboa, this road provides scenic views and numerous stops along the way.
As you approach the Gilboa Scenic Road, you’ll ascend the Gilboa Ridge. The region’s landscape is a result of Mount Gilboa’s proximity to the Syrian African Rift Valley, creating dramatic cliffs. These cliffs offer breathtaking views across the Harod and Beit She’an Valley.
Each peak along the Gilboa Scenic Road is named after famous Biblical figures and events. From the Afula side, you’ll encounter Mount Shaul (Saul), which protrudes prominently from the rest of the ridge. If you continue, you’ll find an enchanting window view of Mount Gilboa through a gap in the pine trees.
From here, you can take in scenes of significant Biblical events. To the north is Givat Hamoreh, where the Philistines camped before their battle with Saul, and the adjacent valley where the Midianites were housed before they were routed by Gideon. Further east, the tip of Mount Tabor emerges, famous for the story of Barak, the prophetess Deborah, and the Heights of Issachar. To the west, you’ll see the Upper Jezreel Valley, also known in Christianity as the Valley of the Armageddon.
Mount Shaul is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly paragliders. Beyond Mount Shaul lies Kefef Shaul, Saul’s Shoulder. This is a fantastic place to rest, with picnic tables, playgrounds, and an accessible trail leading to an extraordinary lookout.
Eventually, you’ll reach the Vinya Overlook. Turn off the main road and follow the track, where there are two balconies nestled within the lush grove. From here, you’ll be treated to more stunning vistas, including a view of Kibbutz Ein Harod.
Hiking at Mount Gilboa
Back on the trail, you’ll encounter a challenging yet rewarding hike suitable only for advanced hikers (marked with a red trail). This path leads to a spring known as Ein Hasamal, but be prepared-the trail becomes very steep and difficult to navigate as you approach the bottom. For those who tackle the climb, however, a hidden gem awaits: a secluded valley near the base. If you have two cars, park the second vehicle below Mount Gilboa at Old Tel Yosef for an easier return.
If the advanced trail isn’t quite your style, don’t worry-there’s still plenty to discover. An easier hiking trail awaits ahead. From the JNF Tower at Mount Barkan, you can enjoy a one-hour circular path that boasts breathtaking views across the West Bank, Nablus, and the Jenin Valley.
Mount Gilboa Iris Reserve
Continuing along the Scenic Road, you’ll arrive at the Gilboa Iris Nature Reserve. During the cooler months, when the reserve has water, be sure to catch a glimpse of the irises, which bloom in vibrant shades of purple. While the reserve may be dry in the summer, it still offers a fantastic trail that leads you to the watchtower atop Mount Barkan.
The Final Stop at Mount Gilboa
The final stop along the scenic road is just a short distance ahead, where you’ll find Paltiel Sela, a fantastic lookout point on the left. Park near the sign and take a 400-meter walk through the shaded forest until you reach a set of picnic tables. Here, take in the sweeping views of the landscape and appreciate yet another breathtaking corner of Israel that you’ve had the privilege to explore.
For those wishing to extend their stay, there are plenty of excellent accommodation options near Mount Gilboa. Additionally, we recommend exploring the remarkable surrounding region on our Galilee, Nazareth, River Jordan and More Tour, including fascinating sites like the serene Sea of Galilee and ancient Capernaum. If you are traveling to Israel and eager for more exciting adventures, our Israel Package Tours are an ideal option. We’ll organize all the details including seamless transfers, comfortable hotels, expert tour guides, and exciting activities, allowing you to have the perfect, stress-free journey.
